Alternative to the 12v 45ah battery?

Today's cars measure everything. Putting in the wrong battery may subject you to other failures or fault codes. I'd just pay the $$. BTW, the original battery is guaranteed for 84 months, so you should be able to get a prorated deal.

 

I would be surprised if that arrangement lasted very long - a battery has to be firmly clamped down, as if it's allowed to rattle could damage the battery.

It will never have to crank the ICE - there isn't a 12v starter motor. But I'm not sure what the total load would be - lights, computers, wipers, fans, demisters (incl mirror), window winders (particularly using global open/close) - but I suspect could easily exceed the "new" cables.

The last thing you want it a wet night with lights, wipers and demister on - turn your indicators to go round a corner and not have enough juice to keep your computers running - and it stop mid-corner.

I'd go get a new battery.

 

Gel battery won't last very long. The car will be charging it with a higher currents than the battery could absorb.

Lights alone should be doable for the battery. If you end up using other high current accessories without car fully on (turn on without break pedal), the wires and connectors could start heating or melting. I am not sure what loads are on 12V (AC and power steering would be the worst ones if they are on 12V).

Another risk with tiny battery and thin cables is short circuit. The fuse in Prius is 200A. I think your setup is not able to generate such a current, so short circuit would remain present until something else melts, burns, or (in the very best case) just battery fails.

My wote also for a bigger battery in the long run

 

Sorry if this sounds harsh, but you're making some dangerous mistakes and I don't want your situation to get even worse.

If the battery wasn't fatally damaged before, it is now. Probably no chance for a prorated deal on a warranty replacement after you disregarded the warnings, opened it up and added water. (And epsom salts!!??) But give it a try.

And with those wires in your picture, I see a fire in your future. Put in the right battery before you have some REALLY expensive repairs.

 

All I can say is wow......
and...Jerry beat me to it.

A 2016 with a jerry rigged 12v. Is this even a serious post or is Mark27 screwing with us?

+1 for innovation I suppose. Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do, but...

"If things are still ok after a month I may consider keeping it for longer term........"

That's like a -5 million.

 

Make the thread into a poll, 100% of responders will agree, get that battery out and put either a yellow top or an oem battery in, saving 200$ will cost thousands.

 

12 V is 12 V. Doesn't matter where it comes from.....in general.

Maybe he doesn't have the same warranty provisions where he lives.

 

How many miles do you have on your Prius?

This is not an AGM battery in a 2016.

 

there are no drop in alternatives currently, and u.s. quotes run upwards of $500. not sure about singapore.

strangely, this new gen 4 12v seems as bad or worse than the past generations, other than it is no longer in the cabin.

 

Really ?? But the replacement CAN be, and probably should be.
They are superior in every way.

 

Most of the cars I'm involved with have a conventional flooded acid battery in the engine bay, and no problems with them: good lifespan, hold charge, prices around $135 typically. What's not to like?

 

I didn't think about the Gen 4 not needing AGM. But what are the epsom salts for?

 

Some smart chargers have a "desulphate" cycle as part of their charging regimen. My CTEK Multi US 4.3 for example. I think I've got that name right. Close enough.

 

Well I guess it's all a matter of perspective......and definition.
Conventional batteries need the electrolyte level checked every few months or so.
They usually have a life span of maybe 4 years.
AGMs are sealed and have a typical life span more like 7 years.
They are a bit more expensive but less hassle and longer life.

 

I hadn't heard of that before. Since you had no warranty on your battery anyway, it was worth a shot.

@Mendel Leisk mentioned smart chargers with a desulfate setting. I've only tried it once and it didn't help. It had been deep discharged and I think it was just too far gone. But I would definitely try it again in the same situation.

 

I looked around a while ago an it looks like the AGM battery for a Chevy Spark would fit the Gen 4 Prius.